2004-2009 VTX1300C Explorer RS™ Seat with Driver's Backrest

The ideal cover for a motorcycle must exhibit many features, and Saddlemen utilizes the best material, Saddlehyde™, which provides the optimum combination of good looks, comfort and durability. First, Saddlehyde™, has a luxurious look and feel due to its leather grain and soft touch feel. Second, Saddlehyde™ has a built in compliance, or stretch, that enhances the gel and foam characteristics for increased comfort. Many other materials, including many leathers, are more board like and prevent the foam or gel from doing their job of softening your ride. Third, motorcycle seats are exposed to some of the worst conditions imaginable; bright sun, heat, rain and constant flexing, conditions that ruin the looks and durability of ordinary materials. Saddlehyde™ excels in these conditions and constant application of conditioners is not required.

Our unique Co-mold process is the largest comfort advancement in motorcycle seating since the creation of the suspension.

The Cushion Layer

The top sculpted layer is the sensory layer. It cushions and provides that nice soft touch.

The Absorption Layer

The middle layer isolates vibration, absorbs and dampens shock, disperses the pressure and promotes blood flow which alleviates hot spots created by foam only seating solutions.

The Support Layer

The bottom layer “the shell” is the stability layer. The polyurethane substructure completes the seating foundation to provide a truly unique riding experience.

Scientifically proven, this amazing product will increase the amount of time you spend on your motorcycle. A seat made with SaddleGel is scientifically engineered to dampen, divert and deflect the energy from road shock which air bladders and 70 year old foam only seat technology cannot protect you from.

Our SaddleGel has the ability to conform to all body shapes, sizes, and contours to reduce pressure points and promote blood flow which minimizes “hot spots “associated the pain and discomfort.

Otherwise, pressure points or “hot spots” can hinder blood flow, causing pain and discomfort. Normal circulation is never lost on a seat with SaddleGel and it keeps you comfortable on a long ride.

Whether it's a football helmet, hospital bed, knee pad or body armor, the foam it contains plays a critical role in making that product both comfortable and safe. But can that foam be transformed into something significantly better, safer and more comfortable?

Foam only seating dates back to the 1940’s. Still after 70 years many motorcycle seating manufactures solely rely on this low cost solution ignoring the advancements in technology.

Years of study, combined with practical experience, has led to the formulation of Saddlemen’s Progressive Density Foam. The chemical make-up and raw material volume is carefully tuned to create a foam pour that is balanced between support and compliance. Varied cell sizes and types are encapsulated in the foam by an element-resistant skin that seals the foam from water and enhances the seat’s durability as well as comfort.

To complete the process then tunes the density and shape which are also necessary to provide the superior foundation for Saddlemen’s unique co-molding process that optimizes reduction is vibrations and shock directly related to rider fatigue.

Unlike most foam that has open holes at the surface, Saddlemen’s Profoam actually has an abrasion resistant skin that resists water intrusion. This barrier is engineered to form during the molding process and protects the micro cellular foam core from breaking down, which is common with many OEM and aftermarket seats.

A Saddlemen split cushion seat is divided into separate flat seat support and backrest platforms. Saddlemen separates and divides the seat into two functions; one a vertical surface for back support and the other a horizontal platform to softly support the butt. The flat portion permits the rider to sink into and comfortably float upon the SaddleGel filled seat while the lumbar rest provides support unaffected by the compression caused as the rider settles into position. On conventional seats, any rider depression of the flat platform pulls the lumbar portion of the seat forward and cramps the rider’s position, often resulting in a condition fondly known as a “wedgie.” The Saddlemen split cushion prevents this and provides comfort – mile after mile.